Air Handling Systems for Indoor Pools - robatherm

1 Air Handling Systems for Indoor PoolsApplications | 1 Air Handling Systems : The Key to air-conditioning is the key to success when operating Indoor swimming Pools . This is where performance, quality and expertise really pay off. Inside Air quality increases pool cuts operating Systems are multifunctional. When operating Indoor Pools , convey-ing that feel-good factor is the key to success. Fresh, conditioned inside air creates a pleasant Indoor climate and increases one s well-being. Visitors stay longer and come back more often to re-live those enjoyable good Indoor climate positively influences the building s structure and sustainably conserves it for a longer period of time. In contrast, poor air ventilation and air-conditioning can lead to grave damages to both the building s structure as well as its furnishings. Thus, early on mo-dernization of older or inefficient air Handling Systems becomes doubly rewarding. Indoor swimming Pools belong to those types of buildings that demand the highest level of energy.

2 When it comes to costs, agencies and operators of public and private facilities are under enormous pressure as the operating costs constantly increase; water, wastewater, heating, and electricity are becoming more expensive. Demanding higher admission fees generally won t and can t compensate the overall operating costs. This calls for an energy-efficient air Handling system that not only improves comfort issues, but also ensures lower operating costs. Demanding and com-plex requirements are placed upon those air Handling Systems installed in Indoor Pools . A multitude of diverse operating conditions must be dealt with in an energy-efficient manner. In addition, the components found in air Handling Systems are very susceptible to those corrosive agents that are used when operating an Indoor air Handling units (AHU) are deemed multifunctional ; functions such as air tem-perature control, air-humidity control and heat recovery are teamed as needed and in turn, combined with the function of discharging odor-active and/or harmful substances.

3 The facility s operator benefits from a safe and energy-efficient operation. The pool s visitor is usually not even conscious of the air Handling system and its benefits; their focus solely lies on enjoying the wet fun. Clearly Recognizing Handling Systems significantly influence the Indoor pool s comfortableness and operating abundance of interacting factors can be identified in Indoor swimming Pools . The reciprocal effect between air and water is air conditions differ from one facility to the next. These inside air conditions are determined by the type of water (standard, brine, or seawater) and the type of pool (spa, school training, swimming, or adventure pool). Whereas, the type of water mainly dictates the materials to be used, the type of pool has particular impact on the amount of pool water that evaporates. For instance, water attractions additionally cause considerable pool water evaporation as it highly increases when waves move from different directions on the water s surface, for example, waves triggered by water attractions and swimmers.

4 If water evaporation is inadequately taken into consideration during the planning phase, the pool hall s humidity level can quickly be exceeded. If this is countered by increased dehumidification (inlet air is too dry), pool water evaporation will further increase, as the difference between water vapor partial pressures rises and in turn, increases the demand on energy and water for TemperatureA consistent surface temperature of the Indoor pool s walls is important for several reasons: As the human body continually exchanges radiation with its surroundings, and since the pool s visitors, to a large extent, are scantily dressed (clothing thermal resistance clo = 0), any differences in temperature are immediately sensed as uncomfortable. At the same time, temperatures falling below the dew-point are Air TemperatureWhen a scantily dressed swimmer is wet, body heat energy is withdrawn through evaporation of the water clinging to the swimmer s skin. An inside air temperature exceeding the pool s water temperature by 2 to 4 K limits this heat flux, creating thermal Air HumidityHigh inside air humidity also limits the evapora-tion.

5 However, excessive humidity can lead to the temperature falling below the dew-point on cold surfaces and thus, makes way for mold and mildew, corrosion and structural damage. The VDI 2089 Guideline Series Building Services in Swimming Baths Indoor Pools defines an absolute humidity of g/kg as a threshold | General requirementsType of Pool influences the Temperature of an Indoor pool range from 2 up to 4 Kelvin above the pool water s temperature. Inside Air Humidity is decisive for comfortableness and structural conservation. Discharge of Harmful Substances increases comfortable-ness and reduces the pool Recognizing exchangeIn pool water, chlorine reacts with organic substances such as sweat, skin scales and urine. Bound chlorine (mainly chloramines and trihalogenmethanes) is produced as a by-product. Bound chlorine has an intense odor and is responsible for that typical swimming pool smell. Chloroform also belongs to the group of trihalogenmethanes; it s heavier than air and accumulates on the water s surface.

6 Chloroform is particularly hazardous to children and adolescents, who often tend to spend a lot of time in the pool. Therefore, a regulated supply of outdoor air is crucial for comfortableness. Any released odors and/or harmful substances must be requirements | 3 Important standards and guidelines pertaining to Indoor poolsEnergy Savings Act (EnEG)Saving of energy in buildingsRenewable Energies Heat Act(EEW rmeG)Promotion of renewable energies in the heat sectorEnergy Savings Ordinance (EnEV)Energy-saving thermal insulation and energy-saving installations in buildingsDIN V 18599 Energetic evaluation of buildingsDIN 19643-1 Treatment of water of swimming Pools and bathsGeneral requirementsKOK guidelinesUniversally valid guidelines for the construction of Pools , issued by the Coordinating Group on Baths (KOK) |1 Ordinance on the Construction and Operation of Public Assembly Venues (VSt ttVO)Public Venue OrdinanceVDI 2050, Parts 1 5 Requirements regarding mechanical equipment rooms (Technical bases, sanitary Systems , air Handling Systems , etc.)

7 DIN EN 13779 Ventilation for non-residential buildings Performance requirements for ventilation and room-conditioning systemsDIN EN 15251 Indoor environmental input parameters for design and assessment of energy performance of buildingsDIN EN 12599 Ventilation for buildings - Test procedures and measuring methods for handing over installed ventilation and air conditioning systemsVDI 2089, Part 1 Building Services in swimming baths Indoor poolsVDI 2089, Part 2 Building Services in swimming baths Efficient use of energy and waterL ARGuideline for fire protection in ventilation systemsTA-L rmTechnical Instructions on Noise Abatement Bulletin Maintenance of technical Systems in bathsGerman Association for the Recreational and Medicinal Bath Industry DIN EN 13053 Rating and performance for units, components and sectionsDIN EN 1886 Air Handling units Mechanical performance and measurement methodsVDI 3803 Air-conditioning Systems Structural and technical principles VDI 6022 Hygienic requirements for ventilation and air-conditioning Systems AHU Guideline 01 |2 German AHU Manufacturers Association General requirements regarding AHUsFGK Status Report 13 |3 Code of practice for the maintenance and cleaning of air Handling systemsEnergy efficiency classesBy certified manufacturers (only authentic with logo) in compliance with German AHU Manufacturers Association and/or EUROVENT|1 Comprehensive and concise planning guide for planners and operators, and reference book.

8 |2 |3 regarding buildingsRequirements regarding air Handling systemsRequirements regarding AHUsCompletely Tapping the Savings Pools are energy-intensive buildings. A smart facility concept and multiple-use of air reduces the energy demand and protects the building s concept of the air distribution system is primarily oriented to the building s floor plan and spatial arrangement. However, this con-ceptual design already influences the energy demand for ventilation and air conditioning. Taking these coherencies into account during the planning phase is the first step towards an energy efficient AHU system . Further savings potential lies in the proper evaluation of operating times, site-specific weather data, target inside air humidity and the selection of the AHU equipment for the respective, various areas of an Indoor Use of Air Modern air Handling Systems rely on the multiple uses of air. For instance, if the lobby s air is free of odor nuisances, it can then be used for ventilating adjacent rooms.

9 Also, part of the airflow extracted from the pool hall can be used as supply air for the shower rooms. In this case, the high moisture content of the total extracted air volume flow becomes an advantage: The air contains more latent and sensitive heat that is fed directly into the heat recovery AreasFrom an energetic and Indoor climate point of view, separating the air distribution system based on existing humidification loads is well-proven. Thus, an AHU with recuperative heat recovery ( plate heat exchangers), dehumidifiers and special corrosion protection can be assigned to wet areas . A slight vacuum within the wet area renders protection to the structures of adjacent building areas. Dry areas benefit from the use of regenera-tive heat recovery ( rotor heat exchangers) with absorptive coating. This ensures pleasant humidity in the winter and a lower cooling load in the Mass Flow RatesConforming to the guidelines, the mass flow rate of outdoor air to be dimensioned is independent of the AHU.

10 Acting on the assumption that with an outdoor air humidity of x ODA = 9 g/kg, a maximum hall humidity of x IDA = g/kg can be maintained. Only if this value is exceeded, may the absolute humidity in the Indoor pool area rise above the mugginess limit of x IDA = g/kg. Thus, mechanical dehumidification is by no means required in every Indoor | Conceptual Design RequirementsAir Distribution Systeminfluences energy Weather Data are important for system Data Monitoring can save operating Weather DataThe anticipated hours of exceedance at x ODA > 9 g/kg can be determined from site-specific weather data. A differentiated examination based on the hours of operation could be sur-prising: In only 6 9% of all hours of operation will the pool hall s air presumably exceed the mugginess limit , if operating time is planned from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm. In the event of a year-round, 24/7 operation, it would be 10 16 % (cp. Chart to the right including German cities as an example).